Megan’s Way

Can hope be found in bleak circumstances? How about in death? For the characters in Melissa Foster’s award-winning novel Megan’s Way the answer is, perhaps surprisingly, yes.

I admit that, upon reading the summary on the back jacket, I balked at the book’s heavy subject matter.

The cancer that the book’s central character, Megan Taylor, thought she’d successfully triumphed over has returned, and with a vengeance, leaving her with immensely difficult decisions to make and limited time to make them.

On top of that, the reality of Megan’s illness inflames the struggles of those around her, including her best friend, Holly, who possesses a painful secret brought back to the forefront of her mind by Megan’s frailty; Holly’s husband Jack, struck by a stunning revelation; and especially Megan’s 14-year-old daughter, Olivia, with whom she shares a unique psychic connection.

Because I know too well how the subject of death and dying can cast a pall across even the best-written works, I stopped reading certain well-known authors ages ago, frustrated by their insistence on killing off beloved characters.

Sensing where Megan’s Way was heading, I was wary of this book, as well, particularly since I become quite attached to the people I read about, fictionalized or not.

Foster, however, drew me into this amazing tale easily, with masterful yet not overly complex language that flows beautifully into a story one will remember always.

Though clearly creatures of fiction, the characters in Megan’s Way are wonderfully three-dimensional, brought vividly to life by Foster’s careful details, from their unique back stories to the idiosyncrasies that make each person believable and real.

To put it succinctly, Foster knows her stuff. Whether conveying Megan’s soulful struggle over continuing her treatment, or delving into the fears of a teenager forced to deal with situations beyond her tender years, Foster does so skillfully and poignantly.

Though Megan’s prognosis is quickly evident, Foster ultimately turns what could be a starkly sorrowful event into something uplifting and inspiring. To say more would mean giving away too much.

Rumor has it that Megan’s Way is being optioned for a film. If that’s the case I’ll be first in line to see it, but only because I’ve read the book.

In today’s complex world, everyone needs a glimmer of hope amid the darkness. I believe Megan’s Way is such a glimmer.